A mild U.S. flu season is waning, but is it really over?
2 years, 10 months ago

A mild U.S. flu season is waning, but is it really over?

LA Times  

This winter’s mild flu season has faded to a trickle of cases in much of the U.S., but health officials aren’t ready to call it over. Kids have driven flu’s spread in past years, so “it’s quite possible we could see continued increases,” Brammer said. It seems like the current flu season is “easing to the finish line,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert. “As the flu-ologists like to say, ‘If you’ve seen one flu season, you’ve seen one flu season,’” he said.

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History of this topic

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag
3 days, 7 hours ago

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is underway, with cases surging across much of the country, health officials said Friday. “Just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, an infectious diseases doctor at the largest private hospital in the state, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical …

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag
4 days, 1 hour ago

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag

India Today  

NEW YORK: The U.S. flu season is underway, with cases surging across much of the country, health officials said Friday. So yeah, we are certainly in flu season now,” said the CDC’s Alicia Budd. “Just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, an infectious diseases doctor at the …

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective
1 month, 1 week ago

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective

Daily Mail  

Everyone is asked to get the flu shot every year to slash their risk of infection and hospitalization. While the flu shot is widely recommended, doctors are advising people to be careful about the medications they use before or after they get vaccinated because some drugs could decrease the vaccine's efficacy. There are more than 295 drugs that can interact …

Long flu season winds down in US
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Long flu season winds down in US

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season appears to be over. Last week, for the third straight week, medical visits for flu-like illnesses dipped below the threshold for what’s counted as an active flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Only New England is seeing the kind of patient traffic associated with an active flu season …

Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, US numbers indicate
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, US numbers indicate

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Early estimates suggest flu shots are performing OK in the current U.S. winter flu season. The vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough from the flu that they had to go to a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital, health officials said during a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccines meeting Wednesday. …

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The flu virus is hanging on in the U.S., intensifying in some areas of the country after weeks of an apparent national decline. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday showed a continued national drop in flu hospitalizations, but other indicators were up — including the number of states with high or very high levels …

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The flu season in the U.S. is getting worse but it’s too soon to tell how much holiday gatherings contributed to a likely spike in illnesses. The flu season generally peaks between December and February; CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said she expects it to peak by the end of this month. According to CDC estimates, since …

Flu and COVID are on the rise, but there are fewer severe COVID cases than last year
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Flu and COVID are on the rise, but there are fewer severe COVID cases than last year

NPR  

Flu and COVID are on the rise, but there are fewer severe COVID cases than last year Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Sison/AP Patrick Sison/AP In most U.S. states, respiratory illness levels are currently "high" or "very high," according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Friday. And while COVID levels are still higher than …

The flu is soaring in seven states and rising in others, health officials say
1 year, 1 month ago

The flu is soaring in seven states and rising in others, health officials say

LA Times  

The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted new flu data on Friday, showing very high activity this month in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and …

The flu is soaring in seven US states and rising in others, health officials say
1 year, 1 month ago

The flu is soaring in seven US states and rising in others, health officials say

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted new flu data on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, …

Vigilance called for as peak flu season starts
1 year, 1 month ago

Vigilance called for as peak flu season starts

China Daily  

By WANG XIAOYU| China Daily| Updated :2023-11-15 Health commission stresses improved monitoring as respiratory illnesses spread China is seeing the circulation of multiple infectious respiratory illnesses this winter, with surging cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, rising cases of influenza flu, but a downward trend in COVID-19 cases in recent days, health authorities and experts said on Monday. Mi Feng, spokesman of …

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps
1 year, 1 month ago

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps

Wired  

At state health departments and academic medical centers, and at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epidemiologists are intently watching two sets of data: the number of flu cases and the number of Americans taking flu shots. But there’s one more piece of data that will let analysts know how this flu season will unroll: whether the vaccine …

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help
1 year, 2 months ago

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help

CNN  

CNN — The first signs of respiratory virus season are just starting to show in the United States, but experts stress the importance of getting vaccinated now to stay healthy through the winter and reduce strain on the health care system. “With the addition of a third virus that can cause severe disease, even an average respiratory season can place …

With flu season here, health officials urge communities of color to get vaccinated
2 years ago

With flu season here, health officials urge communities of color to get vaccinated

LA Times  

When Sandy Sandoval tries to encourage her family members to get the flu vaccine, they usually tell her that the shot does not work and the vitamins they’re taking are enough to protect them through the season. “I think a lot of people are kind of doing this mental calculus in their mind and saying ‘Well, I got four COVID …

‘Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals
2 years, 1 month ago

‘Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals

Associated Press  

As Americans head into the holiday season, a rapidly intensifying flu season is straining hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections. In Atlanta, Dr. Mark Griffiths describes the mix as a “viral jambalaya.” He said the children’s hospitals in his area have at least 30% more patients than usual for this time of year, with many patients …

The flu season is approaching. Are you prepared? Here's what doctor suggests
2 years, 1 month ago

The flu season is approaching. Are you prepared? Here's what doctor suggests

Hindustan Times  

Influenza or ‘flu’ as it is commonly called, has caused massive global pandemics and resulted in uncountable deaths globally since it is a highly transmissible infection affecting both adults and children. For these individuals, the annual flu vaccination before the seasonal onset of the virus becomes a high priority.” Talking about flu vaccination and why is it needed annually, he …

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread
2 years, 1 month ago

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is off to an unusually fast start, adding to an autumn mix of viruses that have been filling hospitals and doctor waiting rooms. Reports of flu are already high in 17 states, and the hospitalization rate hasn’t been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to the Centers for …

It’s flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots
2 years, 2 months ago

It’s flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots

Associated Press  

Doctors have a message for vaccine-weary Americans: Don’t skip your flu shot this fall -- and seniors, ask for a special extra-strength kind. This year we know flu is back,” said influenza specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Here’s what to know: REVVED-UP SHOTS FOR SENIORS As people get older, their immune system doesn’t respond …

For now, wary US treads water with transformed COVID-19
2 years, 5 months ago

For now, wary US treads water with transformed COVID-19

Associated Press  

The fast-changing coronavirus has kicked off summer in the U.S. with lots of infections but relatively few deaths compared to its prior incarnations. “It’s going to be a good summer and we deserve this break,” said Ali Mokdad, a professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. “For the first time that I can remember, pretty …

Flu seasons, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have become unusual and unpredictable. Here's why
2 years, 6 months ago

Flu seasons, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have become unusual and unpredictable. Here's why

ABC  

After the COVID-19 pandemic delivered the world a crash course on virus behaviour, this year's flu season is proving what healthcare specialists and epidemiologists have been saying all along: Viruses are unpredictable and, sometimes, a little weird. "Flu circulation was massively interrupted when countries around the world started imposing restrictions," Dr Sullivan said. Inversely, in some Australian states, testing for …

Flu vaccinations are being urged as cases rise. So, how effective is this winter's jab?
2 years, 6 months ago

Flu vaccinations are being urged as cases rise. So, how effective is this winter's jab?

ABC  

Australia had a couple of virtually flu-free years, but the disease has bounced back — and then some — over the past few weeks. "We've got around 600,000 children under the age of two who've never seen flu, so that's quite a sizeable population of young kids who are entirely susceptible," Sheena Sullivan, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the Doherty …

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups
2 years, 7 months ago

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups

ABC  

Experts have sounded a warning about this year's flu season, with concerns young children will be particularly vulnerable to life-threatening complications. Key points: More than 400 people have been hospitalised with influenza in Queensland this flu season Doctors say children under two are particularly susceptible One expert says flu vaccines should be "essential" in vulnerable settings Queensland flu notifications for …

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms
2 years, 8 months ago

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms

ABC  

As the mercury drops and days get shorter, sniffles, sore throat and other classic symptoms of flu typically start rearing their snotty, grotty heads. The flu vax protects against four viruses Two influenza A : H1N1 was first detected in the Americas in 2009 and caused the 2009-10 swine flu pandemic H3N2 was behind the 1968 flu pandemic, which killed …

This season’s flu vaccine seems to be a poor match, preliminary CDC data shows, but it has been a mild flu season
2 years, 9 months ago

This season’s flu vaccine seems to be a poor match, preliminary CDC data shows, but it has been a mild flu season

CNN  

CNN — The flu vaccine has not been a great a match for the predominant viruses this season, preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows – but the season isn’t over, and the estimate could change, the agency told CNN on Thursday. CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund also told CNN in an email that the agency …

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off
2 years, 11 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off

Associated Press  

The U.S. flu season has arrived on schedule after taking a year off, with flu hospitalizations rising and two child deaths reported. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can …

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off
2 years, 11 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off

LA Times  

Nurse Megan Chamberlain gives a flu shot to Anthony Devitt at a vaccine clinic in Brattleboro, Vt., on Oct. 26. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can be.” During …

How will the COVID pandemic affect flu season?
3 years, 1 month ago

How will the COVID pandemic affect flu season?

Al Jazeera  

Experts say Northern Hemisphere countries face an unpredictable winter as COVID continues to spread during the flu season. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are four types of influenza viruses A, B, C and D. But “human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease known as flu season.” People with influenza …

Australia's path from pandemic to endemic, and what 'living with COVID' could mean
3 years, 2 months ago

Australia's path from pandemic to endemic, and what 'living with COVID' could mean

ABC  

The COVID-19 pandemic won't end with a bang, but more likely a fizzle — and a long, protracted one at that. "I don't know if we're going to wake up one day and say, 'Oh, it's over now,'" says Eddie Holmes, an evolutionary virologist at the University of Sydney. Key points: Most experts agree eradicating COVID-19 is now almost certainly …

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’
3 years, 2 months ago

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’

Associated Press  

The U.S. is gearing up in case of a bad flu season on top of the continuing COVID-19 crisis, with a plea Thursday for Americans to get vaccinated against both. “We are preparing for the return of the flu.” Flu cases dropped to historically low levels globally over the pandemic, as restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus …

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US
3 years, 9 months ago

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — February is usually the peak of flu season, with doctors’ offices and hospitals packed with suffering patients. Scientists don’t fully understand the mechanism behind that, but it would be consistent with patterns seen when certain flu strains predominate over others, said Dr. Arnold Monto, a flu expert at the University of Michigan. Nationally, “this is the lowest …

A welcome casualty, for once, of the COVID-19 pandemic: flu
3 years, 9 months ago

A welcome casualty, for once, of the COVID-19 pandemic: flu

LA Times  

February is usually the peak of flu season, with doctors’ offices and hospitals packed with suffering patients. Scientists don’t fully understand the mechanism behind that, but it would be consistent with patterns seen when certain flu strains predominate over others, said Dr. Arnold Monto, a flu expert at the University of Michigan. Nationally, “this is the lowest flu season we’ve …

There’s hardly any flu this year. Coronavirus restrictions may be responsible
3 years, 10 months ago

There’s hardly any flu this year. Coronavirus restrictions may be responsible

CNN  

CNN — It’s the second week in February, a time of year when influenza is usually sweeping across the country. This same week last year, the CDC reported widespread flu activity in nearly every US region, with “high” activity in 45 states. “Flu activity is unusually low at this time but may increase in the coming months,” the CDC says …

How Covid-19 is changing the flu
4 years, 2 months ago

How Covid-19 is changing the flu

BBC  

How Covid-19 is changing the flu Getty Images Humanity hasn’t always lived with the flu. Getty Images A universal flu vaccine might give us immunity to the disease no matter how much it mutates from season to season “We don't really understand it, but it may have to and may have to do with a little bit of changes in …

US Faces a Smoldering Covid-19 Pandemic Nationwide as Flu Season Starts
4 years, 3 months ago

US Faces a Smoldering Covid-19 Pandemic Nationwide as Flu Season Starts

News 18  

As the United States approaches the miserable mark of 200,000 deaths from the coronavirus, the pandemic is no longer focused on one or two epicenters. Although new cases are down about 50% from the peak in July, the United States is still reporting on average nearly 40,000 new infections a day – the highest number in the developed world. Top …

US coronavirus: Measures may help blunt flu season
4 years, 3 months ago

US coronavirus: Measures may help blunt flu season

CNN  

CNN — The United States may not see a “double whammy” this fall of both the coronavirus and influenza, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Thursday. They also noted that the summer circulation of the flu is “currently at historical lows.” This will be the most important flu season in the country’s history, said US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams. “We need …

COVID-19 lockdowns blocked flu in some places but fall looms
4 years, 3 months ago

COVID-19 lockdowns blocked flu in some places but fall looms

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — Winter is ending in the Southern Hemisphere and country after country -- South Africa, Australia, Argentina -- had a surprise: Their steps against COVID-19 also apparently blocked the flu. But it also could be one of the best flu seasons we’ve had,” Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated …

As flu season nears, some health experts brace for a ‘twindemic’
4 years, 3 months ago

As flu season nears, some health experts brace for a ‘twindemic’

LA Times  

Winter is ending in the Southern Hemisphere and country after country — South Africa, Australia, Argentina — had a surprise: Their steps against COVID-19 also apparently blocked the flu. But it also could be one of the best flu seasons we’ve had,” said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. health officials are …

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